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Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier, second from right, current operations sergeant major, 4th Infantry Division, offers direction to a group of junior NCOs during the Nov. 18 Not In My Squad symposium held at the 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters conference room. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

By Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

“What are the three most common challenges that you face every day at the squad leader level?”

The 4th Infantry Division’s senior enlisted leader directed the junior NCOs gathered before him to write down the challenges and then bring it to the panel of sergeants major.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, hosted a Not In My Squad Symposium Nov. 18, 2015, inviting squad leaders and team leaders to voice the daily problems, issues and concerns the junior NCOs experience in the execution of their duties and responsibilities.

“Tell us what skills, knowledge and attributes you think you need as a squad leader,” Crosby said. “How can we empower you as a sergeant and staff sergeant?”

The event provided a forum for junior leaders and NCOs to hold an open dialogue with brigade and battalion sergeants major and command sergeants major.

The group of senior enlisted leaders collectively offered more than 120 years’ of experience, education, skills and attributes in answering questions about NCO empowerment, leader development and training.

After a peer-to-peer sensing session, junior NCOs identified several issues regarding counseling, writing NCO evaluation reports and how to empower NCO leadership and break down barriers. Following the huddle, small group leaders took turns respectively bringing his team’s grievances before the panel of sergeants major.

“So everyone in here is a noncommissioned officer, right?” Crosby asked the group of more than 50 NCOs in attendance. “I would challenge you to go to your rater or leader and say, ‘Here I am — I need you to counsel me. I need to know the expectations of me as a noncommissioned officer in charge of this section or squad, so I know how to achieve excellence.’”

The senior enlisted leaders from the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson units provided advice and counsel to the Soldiers for working with their chains of command and holding NCO professional development and training. The board of sergeants major encouraged the NCOs to use all available resources, to include each other, and develop the skills needed to best meet challenges at their level.

“Some of the issues that we are dealing with, we are causing ourselves as NCOs; with regard to discipline, we have to instill it ourselves,” said Staff Sgt. Latrisha A. Howard-Robinson, human resources NCO, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “We need to network with each other as far as learning how to write and things that we are not proficient in. “For instance … I work in the battalion (personnel shop), so if a sergeant needs help with writing evaluation reports or awards, (he) can come to me and I can help assist (him) with training.”

Howard-Robinson said the forum was beneficial because it involved senior leadership who assured the NCOs that they have dealt with many of the issues they are experiencing.

“It was a sensing session, but we got answers to the questions we had,” she said. “I think it is very helpful that we have this forum, and we should continue to do it.”
Junior leaders are empowered to lead, train and develop Soldiers at all levels, said Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Parsley, Division Artillery, 4th Inf. Div. Senior enlisted leaders conduct professional leadership development to build upon NCOs’ leadership abilities, leading, developing and mentoring junior Soldiers.

“You have to earn their respect and confidence,” Parsley said. “Nowhere in the Creed (of the Noncommissioned Officer) does it state that we are entitled to that trust and respect.”

Communication is critical in motivating Soldiers, said Parsley, using platoon sergeants and first sergeants as examples.

“Motivation comes through talking about it,” he said.

Lack of discipline in senior leaders bleeds into junior Soldiers, Crosby said to the group of NCOs, stressing the importance of maintaining basic standards and discipline, such as addressing a noncommissioned officer.

If privates see their leaders not upholding the standard, they will think it is OK to act the same way, he said.

“You are empowered as a junior noncommissioned officer, but if you see a deficiency, you should correct it. If you walk by it, you have just depowered yourself,” Crosby said.

“I am going to bring the leader development,” he said. “You are the future leader, and we have to invest back into you.”

The forum offered a rare opportunity for NCOs to see that the issues and challenges they face are not isolated to just their experiences but have shared commonalities across the board, said Sgt. Maj. Charles Tennant, rear detachment command sergeant major, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.

“I took notes of all the squad leaders that stood and voiced their concerns and their opinions, which is awesome,” Tennant said. “That is what I expect of a noncommissioned officer. They are the backbone, so without their voice, we are voiceless. We will have problems directing our noncommissioned officers to the fullest capacity that they are supposed to be at if they don’t say this is where we need help.”

The sergeants major took the issues and concerns back to their units to develop leader training and professional development for the Army’s future leaders.

The 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson command sergeant major will host a Not In My Squad forum for junior NCOs quarterly in an effort to develop junior leaders and break down communication barriers.

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Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves

By Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves

Commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson

To the Soldiers, civilians and Families of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, merry Christmas and happy holidays. As we celebrate this holiday season, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby and I want to thank each of you … the Soldiers, Families, joint service members, civilian employees and the great Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado community. Your hard work, sacrifice and selfless service are what make this organization and its Soldiers a success and a true blessing to be a part of. Your steadfast support truly makes Fort Carson the Army’s “best hometown.”

This holiday season is a time of celebration to be enjoyed by all with Families, friends and loved ones. We encourage everyone to enjoy this special time, but to do so responsibly. Look out for each other, and take a moment to remember our fellow Soldiers and service members who are deployed in harm’s way or who are separated from home in service to this great nation.

The “Iron Horse” Division has much to be thankful for as we reflect on all that our Soldiers have accomplished this past year. Iron Horse and Fort Carson Soldiers have distinguished themselves as the division supported missions in United States Army Europe, operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many others across the globe. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted training at the Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; supported the Cadet Summer Training program at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as well as provided support to United States Northern Command. Their efforts add to the already-distinguished history of the 4th Infantry Division.

We will celebrate that distinguished legacy Thursday as the division celebrates its 98th birthday. This year’s is a special birthday as the colors of all six 4th Infantry Division brigades are present on Fort Carson. For the short time we are all together let’s make the most of it. I encourage everyone to join us this year in celebrating the history of the “Ivy” and Iron Horse Division at the free Holiday and Division Birthday event at 7:17 p.m. Thursday at McMahon Auditorium.

As we commemorate the achievements of this division, let us remember that for many this holiday season is bittersweet. On Dec. 11, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade will case its colors in preparation for its deployment to Afghanistan. Early next year Soldiers from 2nd IBCT will deploy in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Soldiers from the division headquarters continue to support Army Europe’s Atlantic Resolve mission.

From everyone here at Fort Carson, to all the men and women forward deployed safeguarding our freedom, we thank you and honor you for your service to our nation, our Army and the Army’s finest division — the 4th Infantry Division. From the deserts to the mountains, from Europe to the Front Range, our Soldiers, our sister service members, civilians and Families continue to serve and sacrifice in answer to our nation’s call.

To everyone who is a part of the Mountain Post team, have a joyous and safe holiday season and a happy new year. Thank you for all you do. You are truly America’s best.

Steadfast and Loyal. Iron Horse.

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Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, serve Thanksgiving meals at Centennial Elementary School in Colorado Springs Nov. 20, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — A Soldier of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walks between crowded tables while serving up slices of pumpkin pie to students and family members at Centennial Elementary School Nov. 20.

The Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st SBCT adopted Centennial Elementary School as part of the Adopt-A-School program and volunteered at the school’s fifth annual Thanksgiving Day festival.

“Our school at Centennial has about 90 percent free and reduced lunch enrollment; this event may provide an authentic Thanksgiving (meal) for families not able to provide that at home,” said Kelly Lane, assistant principal, Centennial Elementary School. “We really take pride in providing this opportunity for our families to get together, be thankful and celebrate the holidays.”

The Soldiers assisted in classrooms, served food in the lunch line, cut up and served pumpkin pies, gave piggyback rides on the playground and helped clean up after the meal.

“Each student got to read three books to me. I think at first they got nervous because they see someone in uniform, but once you start talking to them they start warming up,” said Spc. Richard Azevedo, Stryker driver, 1SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Azevedo arrived early and assisted with a second-grade class.

“We are the mountain climbers, and we are climbing our way to third grade. We are working very hard on our computers and reading to the Soldiers and working on all that,” said Laura Weber, second-grade teacher, Centennial Elementary School. “It is just great to have somebody for our kids to read to; as much as they can practice, it really helps them and they just get excited when they see Soldiers.”

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Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, move a Medium Tactical Vehicle tire over rough terrain during the brigade’s “Operation Smoked Turkey” annual physical training event Nov. 24, 2015. Soldiers hurdled over walls, traversed through tank ditches, crawled under barbed wire and over shipping containers while moving through the course as an entire formation and managing a heavy, unruly Medium Tactical Vehicle tire. (Photo by Sgt. William Howard)

By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers grabbed for outstretched arms as they pulled one another out of the crowd and onto the top of a shipping container during “Operation Smoked Turkey” Nov. 24, 2015.

The third annual Thanksgiving -themed physical training event for Soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, focused on the importance of cohesive teamwork and provided an opportunity for the Soldiers to showcase pride in their unit.

“It’s great to see the motivation and teamwork inherent to these brigadewide physical readiness training events,” said Col. David M. Hodne, 1st SBCT commander. “Most Soldiers were so focused on negotiating the obstacles and helping their team that they did not realize they ran almost 5 miles and climbed almost 50 flights of stairs. Of course, deliberately introducing a little chaos, friction and confusion to test leaders made the event even more fun and memorable.”

Soldiers of the brigade have learned to anticipate these annual events and compete for the fastest completion time with their respective company, troop or battery.

“We’ve been mentally preparing ourselves for the past two weeks and pretty much crushing physical training day in and day out looking forward to this event,” said 1st Sgt. David Briseno, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT. “The bottom line is you stay unified as a team, you start as a team and you finish as a team.”

Formations of Soldiers negotiated over walls, traversed through tank ditches, crawled under barbed wire and over shipping containers while moving through the course with a heavy, unruly Medium Tactical Vehicle tire.

“Overall it was quite a challenge. All of us have different abilities, so we had to make sure that everyone was involved as a team,” said Pfc. Stephen Muranga, water treatment specialist, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st SBCT. “We should organize more of these events. It was a good teambuilding event overall.”

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Culinary specialists prepare to unwrap turkeys at the Fort Carson Culinary Academy Nov. 18, 2015. Cooks from around the post volunteered to work in support of Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Community Dinner in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)

By Sgt. William Smith

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

“It is our way of giving back” was the answer every culinary specialist replied as to why they volunteered to prepare 367 turkeys and all of the Thanksgiving meal side dishes.

Seventeen culinary specialists spent more than 48 hours cooking over 3,000 dinners for the Colorado Springs Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day meal.

This is the 25th year Fort Carson teamed up with the Colorado Springs Salvation Army to provide holiday meals to community members.

The volunteers prepared more than 4,400 pounds of turkey, 635 pounds of green beans and 1,100 pounds of mashed potatoes and stuffing.

“I am honored to help serve those who are less fortunate,” said Sgt. Shawn Ribar, culinary specialist, Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. “I am humbled by the opportunity to be able to give back to the community. I would encourage others to do the same when afforded the chance.”

Sgt. 1st Class Mark Vickery, NCO in charge for the meal service, said he is glad Fort Carson is able to give back to the community.

“The Soldiers are here on their own time to cook and prepare all of the food for the meal,” Vickery said. “It is 100 percent volunteers; they are cooking because they want to give back to the community and all it does for us.

“The Front Range community does a lot for us,” he said. “They have a number of programs that benefit so many of our military members in the community, and this is our way to give back for all that they do.”

Spc. Tony Lee, an immigrant from South Korea who became a citizen before joining the U.S. Army, said he is honored to have the opportunity to help make this meal happen for the past two years.

“It feels great to help those who are less fortunate,” said Lee, a culinary specialist with 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “When I was in the Republic of Korea Army, we never had anything to give back to the people.”

After the Soldiers prepared the meals, Fort Carson leaders helped serve the food at the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving Day.

“This is a great opportunity to support our community by helping those who are less fortunate,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. “Having the Army support, especially Fort Carson and all of its Soldiers contributing, from our cooks to our Soldiers who are helping serve, is absolutely wonderful. It is just a special moment for me to participate in something like this and see everybody’s enjoyment in having our Soldiers give their time.”

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An Intelligence and Sustainment Company team races through the snow transporting a simulated casualty to a landing zone during the Gauntlet Challenge on Fort Drum, N.Y., in this file photo. (Photo by Spc. Ferdinand Rejano)

By C. Todd Lopez

Army News Service

WASHINGTON — As winter weather approaches and temperatures drop, Soldiers turn to their cold-weather gear to keep warm outdoors while conducting training or operations.

Many Soldiers now wear their Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in the new Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). But their organizational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE), such as their wet-weather gear and their Extended Cold Weather Clothing System sport the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP).

Soldiers don’t need to freeze to avoid a uniform faux pas, however; the Army wants Soldiers to know that it’s OK to wear the foliage green fleece cold-weather jacket and other UCP cold-weather gear on top of their new OCP uniform.

“Soldiers should continue to use the equipment they have been provided to remain safe and warm in environments that call for it,’ said Sgt. Maj. Eva M. Commons, uniform policy sergeant major, Army G-1. “This is why the Army gives you this gear to wear.”

Cold-weather gear is not part of the “clothing bag” issued to Soldiers during basic training. Instead, Soldiers get items such as the fleece cold-weather jacket, the wind cold-weather jacket, the soft shell cold-weather jacket and trousers, or the extreme cold/wet-weather jacket and trousers from the central issue facility at their installation.

Commons said that no matter what ACU Soldiers are wearing — the one in UCP pattern or the one in OCP pattern — they are allowed to wear the winter-weather gear that is issued by the CIF.

“Any item issued from CIF is permitted for wear,” she said. “There is no restriction based on camo pattern or color.”

The Army also has two different colored T-shirts available for wear under the ACU. There is the “sand-colored” T-shirt and the “Tan 499” T-shirt. Belts are also available in both of those colors. Boots are available in sand or coyote colors, as well.

The rule here, Commons said, is that when a Soldier is wearing the UCP ACU, he must wear the undershirt, belt and boots designed for wear with the UCP ACU. However, when Soldiers wear the OCP ACU, they can wear any combination of boots, belt and T-shirt, in any of the available colors; the boots, belt and T-shirt do not have to match each other.

Commons caveated that, however, by saying, “both your left and right boot must be the same color.”

The Army has an inventory of items including belts, boots, T-shirts, uniforms and cold- and wet-weather gear, Commons said. Each of those items has a certain wear life on them. Items such as cold-weather jackets last a long time, she said. Other items, such as T-shirts, can be worn for less than a year before they ought to be replaced.

The liberal policy for how uniform items can be mixed with the OCP ACU allows the Soldiers more flexibility in the wear of their uniform, and additionally allows more time for the Army to eventually get OCIE in the new OCP pattern.

“With all these different uniforms, we have to give the widest range of allowance to Soldiers to properly wear (uniforms), and not have that come out of pocket,” she said. “It also allows the Army to make sure they have proper stock in issuing facilities to support demand.”

Commons said that Soldiers can continue to wear the UCP ACU until Sept. 30, 2019. After that, they must show up to work wearing the OCP ACU.

Soldiers who are deploying or have an operational need are provided with OCIE items in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OEF-CP).

“Deployers will never go without,” Commons said. “The Army will ensure Soldiers get the appropriate equipment for their mission.”

The Army has been issuing the pattern to those deploying for some years and will continue to do so until the transition to OCP.

It will be some years before UCP OCIE is exhausted and is replaced with OCP OCIE because the items are “quite durable,” Commons said.

Commons said some Soldiers had expressed confusion about what camouflage pattern the name and service tapes should be in on their UCP-colored fleece jacket. She said the name and service tape pattern should match the color of the fleece jacket, not the pattern of the ACU the Soldier is wearing underneath.

Commons said that for some time, the OEF-CP was worn only in Afghanistan. And while deployed to Afghanistan, the rule was to wear the tactical subdued American flag patch on the right sleeve.

“Soldiers had only seen the subdued patch on that uniform, so they assumed that is the only patch allowed with that uniform,” Commons said.

But that is not the case.

According to AR 670-1, paragraph 21-18, “All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a field environment.”

Commons said that the OEF-CP ACU, and the OCP ACU can, and should be, worn with the full-color American flag while in garrison. Soldiers should wear the subdued flag patch on those uniforms while deployed, or in a field environment.

First sergeants, she said, will let Soldiers know when they are going to be in a field environment, and what the uniform requirements will be.

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Command Sgt. Maj. Todd W. Sims, center, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to pass the brigade colors to Col. Gregory Sierra, right, outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center Dec. 2, 2015. Sierra relinquished command to Col. Christopher R. Norrie, left, during the ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, second from left, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)

By Sgt. Gregory T. Summers

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers, leaders, Families and friends of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, gathered to bid farewell to Col. Gregory F. Sierra and welcome Col. Christopher R. Norrie during a change of command ceremony Dec. 2, 2015.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, oversaw the passing of the “Iron” Brigade colors during the ceremony held at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.

“Over the last two years, Sierra expertly integrated, trained and led this unit to the world-class, combat- ready organization it is today,” Gonsalves said. “From his manage­ment of the innumerable logistical systems inherent to an armored brigade, to the challenging and diverse training cycle preparing his Soldiers for deployment and his genuine ability of taking care of Soldiers, he has exceeded every expectation the Army has had of him as a leader and a Soldier.”

Sierra assumed command of the 3rd ABCT in July 2013. Under his leadership, the brigade underwent a process of reconstitution, regeneration and collective training. He led the brigade through numerous iterations of ranges, gunneries, live-fires, field training exercises, a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, and a deployment in support of U.S. Central Command in Southwest Asia.

During the deployment, the Iron Brigade Soldiers conducted ongoing operational and contingency operations, operational supportand theater security cooperation activities, as well as bilateral and multilateral military exercises that extended over 15 countries in the region.

“It’s been an honor commanding the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team,” said Sierra. “We did a lot in a short period of time, but every Soldier and leader of the brigade is better prepared to fight and win because of it.”

Sierra and his Family move to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he will perform duties as the director of Training for U.S. Forces Command.

During the ceremony, Sierra, Gonsalves and Norrie took their positions on the ready line in front of the formation and marched toward the brigade colors and 3rd ABCT Command Sgt. Maj. Todd W. Sims.

Sims handed Sierra the brigade colors for the final time, signifying his last act of allegiance to the outgoing commander and thanking him for the partnership they have shared. Sierra then passed the colors to Gonsalves, representing his last act as 3rd ABCT’s commander and thanked him for the opportunity to lead the brigade.

Gonsalves then presented Norrie with the colors, signifying his trust in Norrie’s abilities to lead and take responsibility of the brigade and its Soldiers. Norrie passed the colors to Sims, demonstrating his first act as commander and the confidence he has in his future partnership with the corps of noncommissioned officers.

“As the saying goes, there’s a ‘silver lining in every cloud,’” Gonsalves said. “That is certainly the case now as the Iron Brigade and the ‘Iron Horse’ Division gain Col. Chris Norrie.”

Norrie comes to Fort Carson after most recently serving as the director of the chief of staff of the Army’s Coordination Group in Washington, D.C.

Norrie thanked Sierra and his wife, Courtney, for their efforts leading the Iron Brigade and looked forward to his future with the team.

“Greg and Courtney Sierra are tremendous leaders and an incredible Army Family who have given all of themselves to this great team,” said Norrie. “I am very thankful for all who attended the ceremony and am very proud to join and command this fantastic team.”

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Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, infiltrate a prison compound overrun by enemy forces during Decisive Action Rotation 16-02 exercise at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Nov. 13, 2015. (Photo by Pfc. Christopher Lett)

By Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

The “Warhorse” Brigade achieved several milestones during its combat training at Decisive Action Rotation 16-02, National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California, Nov. 2-20, 2015.

“Over the course of two short weeks (in the combat training area), we accomplished a lot to be proud of,” said Col. Matthew Cody, commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “We were the first infantry BCT to execute decisive action at NTC in 24 rotations.”

“The National Training Center conducts tough, realistic, unified land operations (decisive action) to prepare brigade combat teams and other units for combat,” said Cody. “Decisive action is an operating environment that includes offensive and defensive operations against a near peer competitor (opposing force), while simultaneously exposing the BCT to wide area security operations against a very capable insurgency.”

Fort Irwin provides a dynamic complex environment that allows a unit to hit the key milestone of certification in combat-like conditions.

“At home station, we consistently do platoon- and company-level operations. You need to have a large training area so that you can stress systems at the battalion and brigade level tactically,” said Lt. Col. Tom Ehrhart, commander, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd IBCT. “It’s not until you get to NTC that you really stress the organization and find where the cracks and breaks are. There’s constant stress and it’s not just one dimensional — the fact that you’re not eating or sleeping the same (as we do at home station) and you’re in the elements.”

NTC provides a desert-training environment with complex terrain to include mountains and extensive riverbed systems.

“The sheer size of the training area at NTC provides challenges for an IBCT that can’t be replicated anywhere else,” said Cody.

Soldiers of 2nd IBCT also became acclimated to local national interactions.

“The role-players added a dimension. As effective as you are with your weapons systems, you can greatly improve or degrade your situation through how you interact with (local nationals). It helps leaders acclimate their Soldiers to other cultures,” said Ehrhart.

Most Soldiers don’t get to see the effect that a foreign civilian population has on a mission until they actually deploy.

“For those in my squad who have deployed with local nationals before, we were drawing on our previous experience; but for the newer guys, it definitely helped them get some good experience on how to deal with local nationals, especially in high-stress situations,” said Sgt. Ronald F. Jackson, squad leader, Company B, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg.

The NTC hasn’t hosted an infantry brigade in more than a decade that ended its rotation with a full-scale culminating exercise.

“We were the first IBCT to successfully execute a brigade-level live-fire exercise in over 15 years. During force on force we successfully seized (the objective, a training village) in a military operations urban terrain mission, and we successfully blocked the (opposing force) and defeated them in the defense,” said Cody.

“Most importantly, we were a disciplined, learning organization that fought hard throughout the entire rotation.”

Going to NTC stresses the importance of combat readiness, said Ehrhart.

“The whole point is that you want your worst possible day to be in an NTC rotation, not in combat,” said Ehrhart.

The training rotation developed the brigade’s leaders to be able to fight and win in conditions of uncertainty, Cody said.

“NTC forges leaders who think fast, make sound decisions, exercise disciplined initiative and execute mission command,” he said. “An NTC rotation helps leaders learn ‘how’ to think, not ‘what’ to think.

“NTC is like a ‘leadership laboratory’ that challenges all of our leaders across the decisive action operating environment. Warhorse Strike and our rotation at the National Training Center provided invaluable learning opportunities for all of our Soldiers and leaders,” said Cody. “The training instilled confidence
in our Soldiers, our equipment, our leaders and our units.”

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Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, march with rucksacks full of gifts from Dorchester Park in Colorado Springs to the Marian House Soup Kitchen during “Operation Stryker Christmas” Dec. 4, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

COLORADO SPRINGS — The holiday spirit arrived early for residents of El Paso County as Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, marched to the Marian House Soup Kitchen with rucksacks stuffed with donations Dec. 4, 2015.

Now in its sixth year, “Operation Stryker Christmas” originated after three Soldiers volunteering at the Marian House Soup Kitchen thought hauling donations in rucksacks would be a fun way for the brigade Soldiers to repay the community for its continued support.

“This is one of the most visible ways for us to express our partnership with the great community in Colorado Springs,” said Col. David M. Hodne, commander, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “This community is known to those who serve at Fort Carson as the ‘Best hometown in the Army.’ You can see by the number of Soldiers here today how much giving back to the community means to them.”

More than 1,000 Soldiers delivered clothes, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, toys, blankets and nonperishable food items after completing the 2-mile march.

“I brought some toys from home. It always puts a warm spot in my heart to give back to people that aren’t as fortunate as I am,” said Pfc. Christopher Baker, signal support systems specialist,

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT. “It makes me feel good at the end of the day, and makes me feel like I’ve done my part to make somebody’s life better.”

Residents such as Tamara Young claimed a spot in line at around 4 a.m., enduring the frigid cold so her children would have gifts this Christmas.

“Thank you for everything that Soldiers do,” said Young, who was recently laid off from her job. “My kids wouldn’t have anything for Christmas if you didn’t do this.”

The drive not only provided assistance for those in need but also demonstrated the overall resiliency of the community.

“A community only gets stronger when we support our neighbors,” said Andy Barton, president, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado. “To have these folks from the Army doing this for the people in the community shows the strength of the community; the strength of the relationship between Colorado Springs and Fort Carson and how important the men and woman who serve this country are to the men and women in this community.”

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Col. Lori L. Robinson, left, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, congratulates Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bill Ham for earning the Army’s 7,500 Accident Free Flight Hours award at Butts Army Airfield Dec. 4. Ham is accompanied by his wife, Sheila Ham. (Photo by Scott Prater)

By Scott Prater

Mountaineer staff

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bill Ham has been flying Apache helicopters for more than 25 years.

The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, senior instructor pilot and standardization officer has flown in four combat deployments; earned countless medals, including the distinguished flying cross and two bronze stars; and logged thousands of flight hours during training and instructional missions. So, it’s no surprise that he was recognized outside a hangar at Butts Army Airfield Dec. 4, 2015, for reaching a milestone few in the Army have even come close to.

Col. Lori L. Robinson, 4th CAB commander, stood on the tarmac alongside an AH-64 Apache and announced to a gathering of fellow pilots, friends and unit members that Ham had logged 7,500 accident-free flight hours.

“The 7,500 Accident-Free Flight Hours award is presented on behalf of Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command,” Robinson said. “What Bill has proven (through earning the award) is a testament to his skill, dedication and technical proficiency in this aircraft. We wanted to take the time today to recognize him and his award, and it serves as an example for every Army aviator, as something to strive toward throughout their career.”

Ham explained that he enjoys his work, “probably a little too much,” and that aviators should understand that they, too, can accomplish such a feat without breaking rules.

Robinson said it is extremely rare to find someone with so many accident-free hours. In her 22 years of Army service, Ham is the first pilot she has seen earn the award.

Ham, who graduated from Colorado’s Florence High School, began flying the AH-64 A model in 1990. He explained that the aircraft has been upgraded throughout the past two decades to include modern avionics, computer and fire-control systems.

“The A model used 1970s’ technology, but by 1998 I was flying the D model,” he said. “Now, I’m qualified on the E model, which includes the Longbow upgrades, and I instruct on that as well.”

While he performs a staff officer role, Ham feels fortunate to fly on a regular basis. As the brigade standards officer, he said his real job is to support the brigade commander with advice on aviation employment, tactics, operations and standardization.

“I help with the overall training plan for the brigade, but on an individual level I still fly individual pilots and perform basic instruction and evaluation,” he said. “There’s probably not too many staff officers who also get to fly, but I’m a pilot first. It’s just how warrant officers fit into the overall picture.”

Ham will also gain the opportunity to add to his flight hours in the near future. He’ll depart to an unspecified location for his fifth combat deployment soon.

“I think this ceremony is a bit much,” he said. “This is not a lifetime achievement award. We’ll be doing this again in 500 or more hours. I’d like to reach 10,000.”

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Soldiers of the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, prepare for an early morning movement to Logistics Support Area Santa Fe as part of their support to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., during a National Training Center rotation at Fort Irwin, Calif., Nov. 2015.

By Sgt. Benjamin Kullman

4th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Elements of the 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion recently returned from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, following the monthlong “Decisive Action Rotation 16-02” training event in support of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

The rotation involving more than 4,000 Soldiers and Airmen was developed to create a complex training scenario for use throughout the Army. The mission of the 68th CSSB, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., during its time at Fort Irwin was to provide seamless sustainment support to 2nd IBCT units, support the warfighters in the form of life-sustaining materials such as water, fuel, food and ammunition, and ensure there were no shortfalls due to logistics.

Accomplishing the mission was possible with the support to the 68th CSSB by sustainers from the 25th Transportation Company, 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and the 109th Transportation Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, said Lt. Col. Stephanie A. Barton, commander, 68th CSSB.

“All units attached to 68th CSSB from Hawaii, Alaska, Colorado and Georgia enabled the 68th to train in the most important tasks the battalion has: mission command, base defense and provide first-class logistics,” Barton said.

With the responsibility of supporting such a large training mission, adapting to working with the unfamiliar units quickly was essential.

“During an NTC rotation where units from all over the U.S. are quickly placed together requires the battalion leadership to quickly validate the units and their Soldiers, maintenance, training and mission readiness,” said Barton. “It also requires the battalion headquarters to trust sister battalion commands and subordinate command teams to carry out the mission with minimal mistakes or safety incidents.”

A large-scale logistical undertaking, such as the National Training Center (NTC), provided a training scenario for the sustainers of the “Stagecoach” Battalion and gave sustainment Soldiers an opportunity to strengthen their effectiveness in their real-world missions, said 68th CSSB Command Sgt. Maj. Shannon A. Caviness.

“68th’s role (was) to provide sustainment support to the warfighters. We want the warfighters to be focused on winning the fight and not anything dealing with logistics,” said Caviness. “We feel that our mission is very important and their success is based off the support that we provide them.”

The 68th CSSB participated in a similar NTC rotation last year and benefited from the experience. Returning to the training site for another assignment provided the logisticians an opportunity to improve on tactics, ideas and achievements they had experienced previously.

“I’d like to see that no mission failed due to us not providing sustainment or logistical support,” said Caviness. “That’s what we live for — to provide for the Soldiers and to do it safely.”

Occupying Logistics Support Area (LSA) Santa Fe as their battalion headquarters, the 68th was responsible for providing round-the-clock support to the tactical units in the field and coordinating multiple convoys to transport critical materials to other bases of operations. The pace of the operation required the Stagecoach staff to be organized and function as a cohesive team to insure that missions were successful while also providing for the defense and security of the LSA against simulated enemy forces.

“Some of these units will deploy in early spring, so all the NTC training and environment realism are crucial as their culminating event prior to deployment,” said Barton. “I am confident that all the 68th CSSB and down trace units will be ready and prepared to execute their wartime mission at a moment’s notice.”

By the conclusion of the exercise, Soldiers of the 68th CSSB conducted 40 convoys and delivered more than 600 pallets of food and drinking water, 90,000 gallons of fuel, nearly 3,000 decontaminating apparatuses, approximately 40,000 gallons of water and 80 pallets of repair parts and components in support of Soldiers training at NTC.

Barton said the NTC rotation was a success and the 68th CSSB ultimately accomplished what it set out to do.

“68th’s greatest accomplishment for this rotation was the ability to mission command eight different units from across the United States,” said Barton. “It takes the right leadership at all levels, a great staff that enables our units to be successful, but most of all, teamwork by all. Without a doubt, we had a great team and we all had one mission — making sure 2nd IBCT had the logistics support it needed to execute a great training event.”

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Col. Curtis D. Taylor, incoming commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers and Families during the brigade change of command ceremony Dec. 11, 2015, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)

By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Soldiers and Families welcomed Col. Curtis D. Taylor to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of command ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center Dec. 11, 2015.

In a time-honored tradition that dates back centuries, Taylor assumed command of the brigade from Col. David M. Hodne.

“My name is Curt Taylor and I’m an American Soldier; and today, this Soldier is incredibly humbled to take my turn in command of this renowned brigade,” said Taylor, a native of Harker Heights, Texas.

Taylor was commissioned as an armor officer from the U.S. Military Academy in 1994. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Military Arts and Science, Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Taylor recently completed the Army Strategic Leadership Studies Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

“We have a nonnegotiable contract with the mothers and fathers of America to ensure that no Soldier ever goes into harm’s way unprepared to do his duty,” he said. “This will remain our No. 1 priority and our most solemn duty in the ‘Raider’ Brigade.”

Taylor comes to Fort Carson with 21 years of experience in operational and training assignments including four tours to Iraq and Afghanistan as a strategic planner, battalion operations officer, brigade operations officer and battalion commander. He most recently served as director of strategic assessments for the Army chief of staff transition team in Washington, D.C.

“To the Raider Family, you have accomplished an incredible feat over the past two years transforming an armored brigade into the best-trained and best-equipped Stryker brigade in the Army,” said Taylor. “Your exploits at the National Training Center (Fort Irwin, California) in October are legendary.”

Hodne assumed command of 1st SBCT in December 2013. Under his leadership the brigade transformed from an armored brigade to a Stryker brigade. He successfully deployed the brigade to Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site with the largest road convoy in Colorado since World War II, and later, to the National Training Center.

“I’m honored to hand over the care of these Soldiers to Col. Curt Taylor and his wife, Jennifer,” Hodne said.

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Maj. Jason Meier, 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element engineer, leads the integration working group discussion during an after-action review in Baumholder, Germany, Dec. 8, 2015. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason E. Epperson)

By Sgt. 1st Class Jason E. Epperson

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

BAUMHOLDER, Germany — The 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element hosted an after-action review (AAR) for the regionally allocated forces (RAF) supporting Atlantic Resolve in Baumholder, Germany, Dec. 7-8, 2015.

Participants of the working groups included representatives from the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command, U.S. Army Europe headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Joint NATO Multinational Corps-Northeast and NATO Force Integration units. The working groups focused on discussions and idea exchanges to build a standard operating procedure (SOP) for a reception, staging, onward movement and integration (RSOI) process that transitions personnel and equipment arriving into the European theater supporting Atlantic Resolve.

Maj. Matthew Dawson, executive officer, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said the goal of the working groups was to codify some of the lessons learned from the last RAF rotation in an SOP to improve RSOI for future brigades so they can use it as they arrive into theater.

“It was really good for us to have a conversation when we presented our AAR with representatives of all of the organizations,” Dawson said. “I think the other organizations were able to see what areas a brigade struggled in, and they were able to see how they could better support the brigade as it flows into theater and integrates into the (European command area of responsibility).

“Even more beneficial in the process is the discussions, the shared understanding developed during the process of making that SOP,” Dawson said. “The cross talk and the relationship-building that occurred during the RSOI working groups is going to be very beneficial to the entire theater.”

Maj. Jared Britz, 4th Inf. Div. MCE chief of operations, noted the process in itself is a learning experience because putting together an SOP requires talking to many people and gathering the right input.

“This SOP is a mechanism to create a better understanding of what it takes to bring a unit into Atlantic Resolve. This SOP has furthered the conversation throughout Europe with all the key stakeholders on the best way to work with regionally allocated forces coming into Europe,” he said.

“The end state of all this is a hard copy SOP,” said Britz. “When the next unit comes over and conducts Atlantic Resolve, we are going to their home station with this SOP in hand and provide it to them as a way to enable planning for a more effective process.”

NATO allies from Germany, Poland and Czech Republic also attended the working groups.

Polish Col. Jaroslav Jiru, assistant chief of staff, Joint Logistical Support Group, Core Staff Element, said the meeting and working groups were a good way to share information to compare roles and tasks.

“For us it was an opportunity to share common understanding about assurance measures with the U.S. Army and NATO forces in the northeast part of Europe and together we share responsibilities,” Jiru said. “We exchanged information about the NATO Force Integration Unit and how we will host supporting (foreign) nation units. We will work together (in the future) and share information to deconflict our tasks.”

The nearly 100 Soldiers who make up the 4th Inf. Div. MCE serve as an intermediate headquarters for U.S. Army Europe under the Army’s regionally allocated forces concept. The Fort Carson unit is the first division-level headquarters to deploy to Europe as part of the RAF concept.

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Division Artillery Soldiers conduct a virtual command post exercise at the Mission Training Complex on Fort Carson, Dec. 9, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cantrell)

By Staff Sgt. Craig Cantrell

Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

Division Artillery conducted its first training exercise since the unit redesignated at Fort Carson earlier this year, at the Mission Training Complex Dec. 7-11, 2015.

“We are conducting the Division Artillery Command Post Exercise to establish processes, procedures and systems to conduct mission command — to determine how we operate internally as a division artillery,” said Col. Michael T. Oeschger, commander, DIVARTY, 4th Infantry Division.

The unit, known as the “Iron Gunners,” was redesignated at Fort Carson May 6, 2015, and had its colors unfurled on Founders Field May 14, 2015.

“We became initially operationally capable in October and the DIVARTY staff has been working this (exercise) heavy for two to four weeks, going through the military decision making process and standing up all the systems,” said Oeschger.

The exercise brought together a variety of Fort Carson elements to include DIVARTY, fire support element, 4th Inf. Div. chief of operations, military intelligence, airspace, joint air ground integration cell, 13th Air Support Operations Squadron and the 169th Colorado National Guard.

“Our goal during the exercise is to synchronize all the division fire support enablers, close air support, (4th Infantry Division current operations) and intelligence collection to posture us for a successful division warfighter exercise in February, 2016,” said Maj. Charles M. Knoll, executive officer, DIVARTY, 4th Inf. Div.

Instead of taking the units to a field environment to conduct training, the units opted to take advantage of the digitally based virtual integrated environment of the Mission Training Complex.

“Outside of a real decisive action battle, it is very difficult to replicate the volume of fires they are able to generate here in simulation,” said Knoll.

The MTC offers commanders the ability to conduct individual, leader and collective mission (digital) training.

“The ability to set, reset, conduct an after-action review and continue to train is the best asset the MTC has to offer,” said Marvin Weeks, live video constructive gaming integrative training environment coordinator, MTC, Fort Carson. “The micro and macroeconomics of resource assets the Mission Training Complex offers, with the ability to reset at any given moment, allows the unit to focus on a sound process and costs nothing.”

DIVARTY is unique because it essentially just stood up, its mission command had to be built from the ground up, said Weeks.

“Once the physical systems are established we can start to work on the human systems,” said Maj. Sam Linn, DIVARTY operations officer. “Once the Soldiers understand how the boxes operate, how they integrate and how they interact with those systems, the DIVARTY will start to function internally.”

DIVARTY is expected to be fully mission capable by February, when all of the brigade combat team field artillery units consolidate under DIVARTY.

“I am excited to see how much more successful the division will be with a DIVARTY because of the capabilities we bring to the battle,” said Linn.

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Staff Sgt. Tony Cooper belts out a spirit-filled rendition of Michael Buble’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” during the 4th Infantry Division Band’s Mile High music performance team’s set at the holiday concert Dec. 10, 2015, at McMahon Auditorium. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

By Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

“The time is now 1917,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Borrelli, wearing the uniform of a World War I doughboy, as the curtains at McMahon Auditorium opened to unveil Camp Greene, North Carolina, the birthplace of the “Ivy” Division. The stage decorated with ammunition crates and wool blankets featured a brass quartet of Soldiers in World War I uniforms who led the captivated audience through the inception of the 4th Infantry Division and Christmas 98 years ago.

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson community celebrated the 98th birthday of the division and honored the heritage of some of the nation’s finest Soldiers during the holiday concert conducted by the 4th Infantry Division Band Dec. 10, 2015. The band performed Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits for an audience of distinguished visitors, Fort Carson Soldiers, friends and Families gathered to commemorate the birthday and usher in
the holiday season.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, hosted the concert and welcomed Front Range community leaders and guests who attended the occasion to celebrate another year for one of the Army’s oldest divisions.

“In addition to being the division’s birthday, this December is particularly special as this is the first time in nearly a decade that all the brigades in the 4th Infantry Division have been on the post at the same time,” Gonsalves said.

He noted the rarity of having all of the brigade colors unfurled on Fort Carson as the division prepares to start another round of deployments for the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 10th Combat Support Hospital.

The division’s 61st commanding general reflected on the lineage of the Ivy Division and encouraged everyone to learn the proud and distinguished history of the organization now known as the “Iron Horse” Division.

“Even in the 240-year history of our Army, 98 years is a long time for the service of any unit. It is impressive to look back and consider what an important impact our ivy patch has had on American and world history, and also take pride in what contemporary Iron Horse Soldiers do every day to contribute to our lineage,” said Gonsalves. “Over the last century, the Soldiers of the Ivy Division have been on the forward edge of advancing freedom and American ideas that make this nation great.”

Following the commanding general’s remarks, the 4th Infantry Division Concert Band, led by bandmaster Chief Warrant Officer 3 George T. Bauer, performed classical and contemporary musical sets to open and close the holiday performance.

The concert showcased the many talents of the 4th Inf. Div.’s music performance teams, featuring the bands Iron Brass, Barkeley Avenue, Brass Authority and Mile High.

Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. Band selected and arranged 11 Christmas classics from “Winter Wonderland” to “(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus,” and concluded with “Stille Nacht” and “Sleighride” as part of the evening’s salute to the 4th Inf. Div.’s first Christmas in 1917.

“It is our fervent hope that something here sparked your Christmas spirit,” Bauer said to the audience of more than 400 people.

Bauer also publicly thanked the Soldiers and NCOs of the band for their work and preparation for the evening’s event, highlighting the musicians who were responsible for choosing the evening’s music, as well as planning, preparing and training for the event.

“What you saw this evening was the combined efforts of everybody on the stage,” he said before leading the band on a boisterous version of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleighride,” which earned the band a standing ovation and encore performance.

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A plaque honoring Medal of Honor recipient Retired Capt. Florent Groberg was added to the 4th Infantry Division Wall of Honor during a ceremony Dec. 21, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Cantrell)

By Staff Sgt. Craig Cantrell

Fort Carson Public Affairs Office

The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson honored the return of Retired Capt. Florent Groberg for the first time since he was awarded the Medal of Honor, during a ceremony at the “Iron Horse” headquarters Dec. 21, 2015.

Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, honored Groberg by adding his Medal of Honor plaque to the Wall of Honor, next to the 24 previous recipients from the 4th Inf. Div.

“This ceremony is also a very rare and remarkable event in the 4th Infantry Division, as only the 25th occasion since 1917, that a Medal of Honor plaque has been hung in the division headquarters on this reverent wall,” said Gonsalves.

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Clik here to view.“As ‘Flo’s’ frame takes rank on this wall of honor, we look to his picture, his story and the stories of those he joins, not as idols or infallible men, but as the embodiment of Soldiers who answered the call to serve,” said Gonsalves.

Groberg sustained injuries during a suicide bomber attack in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Aug. 8, 2012.

On that day, Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, two command sergeants major and an Afghanistan National Army brigade commander.

As they approached the provincial governor’s compound, Groberg observed an individual walking close to the formation. When the person made an abrupt turn toward the formation, Groberg noticed an abnormal bulge underneath the individual’s clothing.

Groberg confirmed the bulge was a suicide vest and with complete disregard for his life, with the assistance of the other member of the security detail, he physically pushed the suicide bomber away from the formation.

Upon falling, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest killing four members of the formation and wounding numerous others.

Groberg sustained the loss of 45-50 percent of his left calf muscle with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum and a mild traumatic brain injury.

He spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, from August 2012 to May 2015.

He was medically retired from Company B, Warrior Transition Battalion, as a captain, July 23, 2015.

“As Captain Groberg’s plaque is about to take its place among fellow heroes, we pause and acknowledge his and the actions of his fellow Medal of Honor recipients, not because we cherish the unfortunate series of events that led to their acts of valor, rather we do it to remind ourselves of the values and attributes that form the foundation of patriotic service,” said Gonsalves.

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Clik here to view.By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

He joined the Army in 2012 with a specific goal in mind and the Army provided him with the opportunity of turning his hobby into a career.

“Back in 2010 I started skydiving as a civilian,” said Spc. Ethan Tamez, signals intelligence analyst, Company D, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “One of my goals when I joined the military was to become part of the United States Army Parachute Team — the Golden Knights.”

The Golden Knights are one of the three DOD-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams, along with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. They perform at more than 100 events per year.

After a deployment to Afghanistan, Tamez finally began his journey toward becoming a Golden Knight.

“We like to say that whenever you joke with Spc. Tamez about something to do with adversity he will overcome it no matter what,” said Warrant Officer 1 Chaepill Hilyard, signals intelligence analyst technician, Company D, 299th BEB.

“The sky is the limit. All he has to do is set his mind to a task and he’ll accomplish it,” he said.

The United States Army Parachute Team requires potential candidates to successfully undergo 100 civilian skydives before attending its course.

Tamez performed 56 of his 100 jumps while on leave for eight days in July 2014 — eight long days of jumping and also packing his chute in under 6.5 minutes.

In August, Tamez submitted his packet to the U.S. Army Parachute Team and was selected for its assessment and selection program.

“It was a two-month process of being evaluated, not only as an individual, but also as a Soldier,” said Tamez. “A lot of it had to do with are you a good team member, do you work well with other people, can you lead and can you follow.”

Tamez and 14 other candi­dates trained under the guidance of six experienced cadre in a day-by-day struggle to earn a spot on the team.

“We started with a lot of physical exercise, and then we began classes to learn andunderstand freefall parachuting,” said Tamez. “It was one week of learning how to fly a parachute and then moving onto simple maneuvers that the U.S. Army Parachute Team prides themselves on.”

By the sixth week of the program only seven Soldiers remained based on performance and teamwork.

“Everyone in the platoon was extremely supportive,” said Sgt. David Dettmer, section leader, Company D, 299th BEB, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “We were all with him in spirit while he was pushing through the rigorous process of selection.”

By the seventh week Tamez achieved his goal: he got a spot on the U.S. Army Parachute Team.

“It’s a challenge I found intriguing and the Golden Knights allow for vast opportunities not only to meet new people and travel the world but also to express how the Army has affected my life and what the Army has done for me,” said Tamez.

Tamez has some advice for other Soldiers wanting to attain a goal: “Pick what you’re passionate about, follow it and there are many people in the Army who are willing to help you reach that goal.”

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Spc. Clayton Jones, forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares a lightweight laser designator rangefinder for operation on an observation post during fire support team certifications Jan. 6, 2016. The weeklong gantlet of challenges with increasing difficulty tested 13 fire support teams from four different maneuver battalions across the brigade. (Photo by Sgt. William Howard)

By Sgt. William Howard

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

Forward observers reaffirmed their lethality during fire support team certifications Jan. 5-8, 2016.

The certification was the first training event of the year for the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

“A forward observer is a field artillery Soldier who’s responsible for adjusting indirect fires from artillery, mortars and close combat attack (helicopter support). Some of us are joint fires observers, and we’re able to do close-air support missions,” said Sgt. 1st Class Earl McCormick, brigade fires operations NCO, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT. “We provide support for the brigade’s deep fights.”

The weeklong gantlet of challenges with increasing difficulty tested 13 fire support teams from four different maneuver battalions across the brigade.

“Since we found out about the certification we’ve been doing basically everything possible to prepare — training on call for fire, getting our Stryker ready, getting our personal skills ready and learning to operate as a team,” said 2nd Lt. Jonathan Mayo, fire support officer, HHB, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg. “What I really appreciate about this is it highlights how we can improve.”

The Soldiers were required to pass a written examination of skill-level knowledge, artillery skills proficiency test, land navigation, occupying and securing an observation post, target identification and call-for-fire missions based on individual skill level in order for the whole fire support team to certify.

“These Soldiers have to know their job at all times, be able (to) perform their job and any job the maneuver elements asks of them,” said Capt. Matthew Van Vliet, assistant brigade fire support officer, HHB, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg.

Indirect fire support is essential to the success of combined arms operations and requires accurate and qualified observers to locate targets and adjust fires.

“This allows the teams to actually go out with their maneuver elements and call in real rounds because they are now certified by the brigade to support those maneuver elements and use indirect fires,” said Van Vliet. “(It’s) like how the maneuver elements have to go through a gunnery to certify with their weapon systems.”

By Sgt. Nelson Robles

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division

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A Soldier from 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, observes the effects of alcohol impairment through the use of goggles at an Army Substance Abuse Program information table Jan. 13, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles)

Services available to Soldiers and their Families took center stage during a Jan. 13, 2016, community resources information fair held at a 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, company operations facility.

Representatives from various post organizations traveled to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, unit area to inform Soldiers about their programs.

“We are launching a new concept here at Fort Carson in pursuit of raising awareness of the different services available to Soldiers, so we decided to join our efforts with other community resources such as finance and public health representatives,” said Norma Rivera, risk reduction coordinator, Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP). “We understand that Soldiers can’t always make it to the Special Events Center or the theater, (so) we have to inform the Soldiers where they work. The intent is that if this goes well, we will make it into a best practice.”

The event highlighted community services available to meet the needs of the Army’s workforce and their Families.

“We’re here to deter negative behavior and enhance positive behavior,” said Rivera.

The fair included a variety of representatives to help raise awareness of high-risk behaviors to include drug and alcohol abuse, spouse and child abuse and financial issues.

Rivera noted there were representatives from finance and the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program. Public Health provided preventative medicine information. ASAP topics included drug testing, raising awareness of alcohol abuse and driving under the influence (DUI), suicide prevention and risk reduction.

The event organizers ensured the Soldiers received hands-on time with representatives.

“It’s really good to have the resources available at the unit level. We have a lot of Soldiers who are new to the Army or unit and don’t know about them,” said Sgt. Jesus Valerio, team leader, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg. “With a deployment coming up, the (Soldiers) are at the tables learning what’s out there for them and their Families.”

The fair also provided leaders with information to help prevent DUIs and suicides and reminded Soldiers of the help available.

“It’s a horrible feeling to lose a battle buddy. We try to mitigate as much as we can, but having subject matter experts come to them can make the difference,” said Valerio.

The event offered a venue for an entire battalion of Soldiers to ask questions directly to respective representatives.

“It was really beneficial to have this fair come out to our (unit) because it allows the Soldiers to learn about these services without traveling,” said Capt. Scott Darhower, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 12th Inf. Reg., who hosted the event. “Soldiers are really busy … after the holidays, keeping it local is very beneficial.

“Any resource available to the Soldier is going to benefit them. Being able to see everything available at one location and get the advice and help that they need … will help not just the Soldier but the Army,” he added.

Contact the Fort Carson ASAP office at 526-8245 for information about hosting a community resources information fair. Visit http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/ASAP.html for more information about ASAP or http://www.carson.army.mil/acs/ for information on ACS programs.

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Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, meets with Theo Gregory, chairman, and Nany Hixson, chief executive officer, U.S. Air Force Academy Athletics Corporation, during the Cadet-Athlete-Soldier Training and Leadership Exchange program kick off at the academy Jan. 20, 2016. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams)

By Master Sgt. Brent M. Williams

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Leaders of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson traveled to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) to kick off the Cadet-Athlete-Soldier Training and Leadership Exchange (CASTLE) program Jan. 20, 2016.

CASTLE is a community partnership initiative between USAFA athletics and the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson aimed at developing cross-service awareness and understanding of mission and purpose.

Developed through dialogue, partnerships and shared experiences, the CASTLE program will provide opportunities for cadet athletes to meet with Army leaders, said Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.

Many of the Army leaders have graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and other institutions that produce great leaders, Gonsalves noted.

“We want the cadets to have a clear understanding that this really is one team, one fight and … they are a valuable member of the team,” Gonsalves said.

The purpose of the CASTLE program is to partner Army command teams with the USAFA Athletic Department to develop lasting bonds and enhance attendance and support for USAFA sports programs, said Lt. Col. Ryan Cutchin, civil affairs officer, 4th Inf. Div.

Within the program, each 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson unit sponsors an assigned sports team, to include football, basketball, hockey, wrestling and track and field.

The opportunity also provides cadet athletes familiarization and insights into unique mission sets within the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, said Cutchin.

Like other Fort Carson-led community partnership initiatives, such as the Adopt-a-School program, command teams work with their respective organization to build the relationship and determine the level of support they can provide.

Some partners may be actively involved; others might serve in an advise and assist role, said Cutchin.

“It is up to those teams and the commands to determine the level of support and determine the level of involvement or level of activity,” Cutchin said.

The CASTLE initiative is the first community partnership between USAFA and Fort Carson leaders, Cutchin added.

“This program empowers leaders and teams to establish the way ahead and joins at the point of professional conception a deployable active Army unit with a cohesive athletic team that builds a mutual understanding and a shared respect for one another,” he said. “The program forges a relationship professionally that before this initiative had never existed.

“It creates a level of understanding across the board between the Army and Air Force, junior officers and senior officers, Soldiers and Airmen.”

Cutchin added that the partnership between Fort Carson command teams and USAFA athletic teams is a natural one as the military organizations already share a sense of sacrifice and camaraderie in the actions of one another.

“The benefit of this relationship for our cadet athletes is the exposure to Fort Carson, the Army and the 4th Infantry Division mission,” said Air Force Col. Kevin Lamberth, vice superintendent, USAFA.

Developing relationships is a good start to the cadets’ careers as they will grow to be joint service officers one day, Lamberth said.

“We at USAFA are about developing leaders of character through a trifecta of academics, military training and athletic competition on the field that helps to build grit and determination needed to overcome adversity and become the best officers they can be,” said Lamberth.